A patient undergoes thyroid surgery and postoperatively complains of loss of sensation in the laryngeal mucosa above the vocal cords with aspiration of liquids. Which nerve was most likely injured?

• A Internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve ✓
• B External branch of the superior laryngeal nerve
• C Right recurrent laryngeal nerve
• D Glossopharyngeal nerve

Explanation

The internal branch of the superior laryngeal nerve pierces the thyrohyoid membrane with the superior laryngeal artery and carries general sensation from the laryngeal mucosa above the vocal folds. Its loss abolishes the protective laryngeal cough reflex, producing aspiration, especially of liquids. The external branch is motor to cricothyroid and does not carry laryngeal sensation, while the recurrent laryngeal nerve supplies sensation only below the vocal cords.

Reference: Gray's Anatomy, 42nd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.